Recording system and apparatus



R. M. HOPKINS. RECORDING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS.

APPLICATION HLED IAN-2h I9II.

Patented Feb. 17, 1920.

5 SHEETSSHEI 1.

z .m L

AUTO/M5) R. M. HOPKINS.

RECORDING SYSTiM AND APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED umzr. 1911.

1 ,33 1 1 5 1 Patented Feb. 17, 1920.

5 SHEETS-BREE! 2.

MI VEN TOR A rromvzr R. M. HOPKINS.

RECORDING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS.

APPLlCATQN FILED JAN- ZI 9|. 1,331,151 Patented Feb. 17,1920.

5 SHEETS-SNEEY 3- INVENTOR WITNESS Maw/11 M m W ATTORNEY R. M. HOPKINS.

RECORDING SYSYEM AND APPARATUS.

Q52 A- LM APPLICATION FILED JAN. 2],!91].

Patented Feb. 17,1920.

II HORNE) R. M. HOPKINS. RECORDING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED MN-Zl. I91]- I 1,331,151 Patented Feb. 17,1920.

5 SHEETS-SHEEI' 5. 73 song. 7 o 7; u 70 69 66 77 as u O 82 \ix 83 8uwsmon UNITED STAT S PATENT OFFICE;

momma M. riorxms, or NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOB. To AMERICAN bIsTIiIcTTELEGRAPH COMPANY, or JERSEY cITY, NEW JEEsEY, A CORPORATION on NEWJERSEY.

RECORDING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented Feb, 1'1,

Application filed January 27, 1917. Serial No, 144,951.

1 0 all whomz't may concern:

Be it known that I, RICHARD M. license, a citizen of the United Statesof America, and a resident of New York, in the county of New York andState of New York, have invented a certain new and useful RecordingSystem and Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to systems and apparatus for recording the signalsof watchmens signal boxes and the like. Heretofore it has been common torecord the signals of a plurality of watchmens signalboxes on a singlecircuit, without distin guishing, other than by the box number, betweenlocations from whichthe signals come. "In many cases it happens that thesignal; boxes of several-' subscribers or premises or buildingsare'loca'tediiithe's'aine circuit; and itis desirable to 'm'akethe'records for "the diiferent subscribingor premises, orsbuildings, ondifferent portions of a record she et,' oron different record sheets ordials; For example,it 'is desirable' to be'able to send, periodically,to each subsc'rib'fithe records of signals receiyed from theboxes in'his ownpremises, without, of course, sending to him the'records fromtheboxes in the same circuit which arein the".

premisesof other subscribers. In any case, it is "obviously desirable torecord the S1g-' mile from the boxes oian'y one subscriber or' premises,separately from-"the signals from the boxesof other subscribers orpremises? The resent "invention com'prises means where yi'th's may bedone;.;i .-e., a record of the signals from any one gro'upof signalboxes of a circuit may-be made which shall beentirely "separate from therecords of other groups of boxes of the same circuit. My inventionconsists, in means whereby such; separate groups of records may be madeautomatically; in means whereby dejrangement maynot be caused becausesome signal boxes operate" rapidly and others slowly; and inotherfeature's more fully (lo-- scribed hereinafter and particularlypointed out in the appended claims.

Hereinafter, for convenience in description,- it will be considered thateach group of signal boxes pertains to a separate subscriber, and,correspondingly, that each group of signal-iecording magnets,hereinafter referred to, pertains to a single subscriber; Obviously, inpoint of -fact, one subscriber might have'a plurality of groups of si a1boxes; all of the signal boxes of all 0 the roups herein contemplatedmight be located on premises of the same subscriber; and the termsubscriber? is, in itself, a mere convenient reference'term, without anynecessary relation to the facts o f a ny Iparticular installation ormstalla tionsl owever, forconvenient classification' and recording' ofsignals, it is desirable that the boxes of a circuit be divided'intogroups, and for the-'pu ofxdes'cription it is convenient to ,consi' erthat each group of boxes pertains to the 'sesof a single subscriber; and'in mull-practice'- tlii" 'will usually'be thecase. ""i L- 'lheobjectspf my invention are to dist1nguish;"1n"the wording .of signalstrans mated: throu' ua 'cimui @betweenthe Isig-' n'alS"-'ofj the of'di'reiit' subscribers, and th'e"reeord 'of signals from theflfioxes'ofeach subscriber separatelyfrom the- -1';ecorls-of signals" from theboxes" of other subscribers"-while employing a sin lef line circultonly'the boxes ofall of tlie said subscribers tb a'yoid derangement of.disturbance oi" al'sej si'giialin "orfalse "record ng of sig ia'l'sTduet'o "d fi'erent boxes having different speeds; of operation a and, ingeneralfto provide simple and reliable apparatusandfcircu'tsfor"theaccpmpl ish-l will ow proceed to describe, with refer? ene'e someaccompanying drawings ap ara -f the undj circuits constitntin one emodi-' mentiof'my invention, and will ther'i'lpoint out the novelfeatures in "claims; In" said ployed in practice, instead of therectangular arrangement of those magnets illustrated in 'Fig. 1.

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view showmgtthe two pawls of theratchet mechanism of'the-selectors and showing the re lease magnettherefor.

Fig. 2 shows a side elevation of the space controlled contact device orgovernor employed in conneetien'with'the system shown in Fig. 1. 1 I

Fig. 3 shows a fragmentary side elevation of saidgovernor, with the maincontact-open at'ng aImBQ in-process of being elevated.

iIiigmLis-a view'similar to F g. 3, showing said 45 m 50in elevatedpositipn w th the main qpm tin arm in norina position.

Fig. 5, shows a side elevation, of .the said spacecontrolled contactdevice or overnor.

6 shows a-central longitu inal sectionmf that space'controlled contactdevice r g e I g. Jshows a transversesection of the saldgonennorwithtthe arm 50 inits normal depressed position and Fig. is a similariew,,:s'hoyring .said arm 5Q-m process of elevation, Figs. 7 and 8 beingtaken .lookin -at .ar negufrqxn-theright ofE g. 5.

ce-9 is diag am-i lu tr ing w mg of the space controlled contact. deviceoriBpfer-ring tu Fig. l A designates a a] box re muit -porqpr singfivegroups "b xes-fiiherumber of bQXes'in we g en? e n ar-ia fl. h oug rlde mi Ea hue b xm s! b 'u m w to rise tasignaltrensnrittingmechanwofatsmi weehed e le p tim hown, (for: xampl inmg wh h m c a m, w n "ep r t d, will bre k n pl te h i c A mw -some pear ng d the, articular box; to which the-transm tting e han m 0 ted e og u Slgnel rbeconsi cred-to bea box number, each number to consist ofthree edigits .and -digit, .preierably .tlieinitial digitgof; thesignals .of the of any one subscriber, 11. 4., the initial digit o'f all-ofthe boxes of auy-eneguoqp, will-be the same. .In other words, thesignals of all- .of the boxes of one group will begin with'the digit2-;-rthe signals oimll of the boxesof-anothergroup xvii-lb with. 't. 3,and so on. It shotd dgg explein further, that-the term digit is employedherein in a Special sense, In the ordinary sense, the term digitincludes any of the numerals from 1 .-lie 9 inclusive. Thebreak wheelsof signal boxescompr-iseteeth, with intervening notches,- arranged inthree groups separated by spaces; and the number of teeth in any one ofthese three; groups. may exceed nine YQ-llit. is convenient to speak ofthe number represented by the teeth of any one such si -nal,-dist inctive of group as a digit and no departure from principle is involvedin so doing. However, in practice, it is rare that any one such group ofteeth exceeds nine in number.

C designates a battery or other source Of-C-llF-FCllt supply, in circuitA,-and-D designatcs a main line relay, in said'circuit A, which repeatsthe signals of boxes B into a circuit E connected to the frame a of amaster selector F, to be referred to presc-ntly There are-three othersimilar selectors, G. H and I, also to be referred to prescntly.Circuit. E also contains themagnet of a sluwareting or time reluyK;=.and a branch circuit E from circuit E through them-mature and rearcontact I) of ti me relay K and "through the clutch magnet 0 of amechanical governor, referred to liereinaftergto ground. Between contactI) of relay K. and theelutch ma net c,-the1e is a connection (I tocircuit The contacts of main line relay D, hy whichsignals of the-boxcircuit A arerepeated into circuit E, are-located betweenthis connection03 and .the 'point from which bmnch E departs from circuit -E.

Each selector, F, G, Hu -and 11,.cemprises a frame or sector,-a,provided with contact segments, numbered 1, 2, 3'etc. a contact arm orbrush, e adapted to travel over such segments a sprin -returned. ratchetwheelj, connected =to suc brush arm e; and a ratchet-pawl .9,forrotating such ratchet wheel step-by-step, operatedby the arma-. toreh of a ratchet-m agmet \ipanda holding pawl 'l: see :Fig, 1) is alsoprovided. {or each ratchet wheel together with-a release magnet m which,when enesgized retracts both ratchet-pawl g and holdmgimwl is,- soperlmitting contact arm a to return to norma L, M, N,'O and P designategroups of reoord'making magnets, each such :group' corresponding-to oneof the groups of signal-boxes B, in circuit A, each magnet of each suchgroup corresponding to one of the signal-boxes of the cor-respondingroup. In other \yords, each magnet-gm i, M, etc, cor-responds to aparticular subscriber, and=each magnet ofone such groupmrresponds to aparticular signal-box off that subscriber. .In practice, eachsuchinagnet oper-atesa ;;punch or otherrmark-ma-king de vice, adapted tomake far-mark in or on a recoi'd-zsheet orrecord-dial propelled by aclock-i i-ioveinent or other suitable time --deice. In Fig. -11,forconvenience in tracing the circuits I have arranged the saidrecordinalring magnets of each such group :L, M, etc, in rectangularfashion; but in practice they are usually arranged in a row, and whenthe recordsheet is a rotary dial, such row is usually radial withreference to the dial. as well kuowirby those acquainted with\vatrhmeu's clocks, and as shown in Fig. 1".

I have-hot thought-fit necessary to illustrate such.a:clock,.-as theyarew'ellvknown;

nor have I thought it necessary towillustrate the punching mechanismoperated byeach of punchparticular outgoing circuit conductor to whichthe particular record-making magnet to be'select'ed is connected; andselector 1 then selects a particular "-return conductor to which theparticular record-melting magnet to beselected'is-connected. I therectangular arrangement ofthe record-making magnets in= grou s-eniployedjor conven-' ience' of illustmtiiuiqm-Fi nl th'e outgoingconductorshre the {conductors BI -35 each passing-th'roggh a'contact ofthe relays Ii'- '-,M" etc.,"9ind then connected to a hori-a zontalrovyof of-eech'of groups L; :Mg-N, O imd PJ; "and;the return conductorsare the vertical conductors 41 -'45, eachpass-f tors;-but convenienceindescription, "ithas been 'considere'd desirable t0 -'term-'theconductors 31-35 the outgoing conductors,

Neglecting for the presentthe action of the' time relay K, and themechanical governor-illustrated 2-9 inclusive? (of which gorernor theclutch. magneto forms a part)-the operation of the sy'stem is as missionof the second digit of the box signal,

contact X of the mechanical governor is by main line relay 1)intocircuitE, which i is connected to theratchet-magnetsz'of theselectors G, H. T I; the'return conductorsll.

12 and 13 of these magnets'being connected to segments 1. Q'and 3,respect vely,-ofse-' 'lector F; and since the contact arm 6' of selectorF is normally on the segment 1 of that selector, magnet 15 of selector Gis operated by the first digit of the box-signal, advancing the contactarm P oF selector G over n number of segments of that selectorcorrecrane P' rand'thence conn t sponding to the numerical value of thefirst digit of the box signal. Supposing that first digit to be 4, thearm e of the selector'G will be advanced,'during the transmission ofthat first digit, t0 segn'icnt 4 of selector G, closing circuit frombattery Q, through the magnets of relays O and O"; whereupon thearmatures of those relays are attracted, and all of the contactsactuated by those armatures are closed; thereby confining subsequentoperations of the selectors to one series of recordanaking magnets. Themechanical governor, illustrated in Figs. 2-9 inclusive, has a contact,designated by character X in Fig. 1, of which contact it is sufficientto say at present that it is closed by the governor upon the occurrenceof the long space, between digits of each box signal, but it is notclosed during the short spaces be.- tween impulses of each digit. Thiscontact X is ina local circuit R including a battery or other source ofcurrent supply S and the magnet 2' of selector F. Upon the conclusion ofthe transmission of the first digit of the box signal, therefore,circuit R is closed through magnet 71 of selector F, and the contact arme of that selector is moved to se selector over a number of segments ofthat selector corresponding to the numerical value of that second digit.Supposing that second digit to be 2, the arm 6 of selector H will beadvanced, during thetransmission of that second digit, to segment 2 ofselector H, closing a partial-circuit path from'battery or other sourceof current supply '1 and conductor 32 and the contact of relay 0" Ap951: -During the transmission of the"secondthrough which passes, to thesecond horizontal'row of record-making magnets of group O. The circuitthrough an)' one 'particular magnet connected to'that conductor 32 isnot completed. however. as the operation of selector I and relay U isrequired for the completion of circuit.

During the long space following the transagain closed. advancing thecontact arm 6 of selector F to segment 3 of that selector, and soswitching the circuit E to the magnet 77 of selectorI. I

During the transmission of the third digit of the box signal magnet z ofselector I operates and advances the arm 6 of that selector over anumber of segments of that selector corresponding to the numerical valueof that digit. Supposing that third digit to be 4, the arm e of selectorI will be advanced, during the transmission of that third digit. tosegment 4 of srlrctor l, closing a partial from battery or other source'1 through conductor- 44 of the vertical series 41-45 and through thecorresponding contact of relay 0- to the corresponding magnet ofseriesQ, and completiug circuit through that magnet, except for thecontact of a relay U, hereinafter mentioned; for conductors 32 and 44together form a circuit path from battery T through a particular magnetof series 0 (which magnet is designated by character :1 in Fig. 1) andthrough battery T.

During'thc long space following the-third uml last digit of the boxsignal, contact X of the automatic governor is closed, so moving thewntuct arm a of selector F' to the fourth segment of that selector, andso closing circuit from conductor E through conductor 14 and thereleasemagnets m of the sevcrulsrlectors F, G. H, and I, so disengagingpuwls g and II: of the selectors and permitting the restoring springs ofthe ratchetwheels fto restore arms-e to normal.

In the circuit of the-restoring magnets art there is the magnet of arapidly-operating rel-a U, controlling-the circuit from battery '1through the particular record-making magnet :l/ which has been selected,as above described. When the restoring circuit is completed as just'bed, this relay circuit Path of current supply above desert U,operating more r apidlthan the m, closes :the circuit of atteryT'throu'gh the selected magnet 9 arms e. of the selectors have startedto return, so energizing=that magnet-y and cansin -a record to he made.

comma gowerno r.+Difiei-ent signal.

boxes operate at.difierent-speeds,-and itmay even happen that the spacebetween digits of one ox may be longer than the space between impulsestrated in Figs. 2-9 is ernor comprises a swinging contact arm 50,adapted to be raised by a suitable -motor-. driven mechanism during thespace between the first and second impulses oi the first or succeedingdigits of the signals of any of the boxes. B, together with means forholding that arm in such elevated-position until the occurrence of thenext succeeding long space between digits of the box signal, at whichtime said arm ESQ-descends, and closes the contact X previouslymentioned. Means are provided. as described presently, whereby thiscontact arm 50 is carried higher, during the space between the-first andsecond impulses of any dig-it of a box signal, than it will be carriedduring any subsequent space between impulses of that digit; for whilethe spaces between impulses or closures in circuit E are quite regularin duration, yet there is apt to be some variation in length of suchspaces between closures,

before the :contact of a digit of another box in the same circuit. Toobviate trouble iron) this source, thev mechanical governor illus-.-prov-ided. This-gov is mounted 'loosuly upon ashaft 51, itself mountedin suitable bearings in a frame 52. This shaft-5] is arranged to bedriven, alterualh'ely, through two gear trains 53 and 54,-of-di'fferentspeed ratios, from a drii'ing shaft 55 (itsel driven by any suitablemeans, repmsented diagrammatically in the drawings "by the spur-gear56.);- clutches 57 and 58, operated lay-the urinature-lever-59 of-themagnet 60,'determining whether shaft .51 shall be driven throughthehigh-speed Egeargtra in. 53 or through the lowdr tuain 54.. Nor-.- mally'(i. -e., when no signal is transmitted irom-any-oithe boxea). shaft 51is'being driven throu'g thehigh speed entrain 53,butarm 50 ismtbeing-raised; or'tliie ann is-misededurirg the: send' a boxgsignal,byaeseoohkmm 61,;secu to the driven member 620i a ,further clutch (SQ-63on. shaft 51, said: clutch being icontrolled by #1 armature lever 64 o'the clntcbmagnct apmviouslymentioned with and tibia 0 w; nonnally, soholding th clutch Megan,

s gnal-clutch w e "a is 'deener'gized (as described hereinaitet),'eiutch 62-433 is closedflhearm til-,ihereinafter-referreddo. as theoperating-arm is raised, and engages the lower end of a ling-returnedplunger 65- carried by -arm i 58, raising-said gpltmger untilthehshoukler 66 thereon engages 'the arm 50'andr1'aises said-'arm-untilsuch motion is arrested by opening of the clutch 62-453, at theeonclusiomof-the-first space between impulses of the box signal. Theoperating, arm 61 then "falls, nadqvthe 'mfiuence of gravitymeinicrcedby a :springvfil, but arm fill-remains in elevatediposition, beingretained there by -engage'ment of a pivoted pawl 68 (see E1gs.--T- and8lucarr-iedby arm 50, with a stationary ratchet-wheel 69 carried lay-thef-rame52. This=pawl68 has a tail 68 adapted toengage altematively theteeth and intervening-notches of :1 cmwheel '10 mounted on a shaft 71imelf mounted in a'bearingin arm 50; and during the firstliftingofplunger 65 incident to the first rise of operating arm 61, aspringactuated pawl 79. (Figs. 7 and 8) carried by "remains: closed; arme56; remains elevated, and the arm 61 rises andfalls: without performinany: function." =Bnt upon-the occu'rrenceo the long space-betweentheifirst and er 65, even though that plunger engages a tooth of ratchetwheel 73 on said shaft 71, moving camwl1eel'70 so that a notch of thatcam-wheel is presented to the tail 68' of pawl 68 so permitting thatpawl 68 to'remain in engagement with stationary ratchet-wheel 69, andholding arm 50 in elevated position. When the operating arm 61 fallsafter its first rise, thus permitting plunger 65 to descend somewhatwith reference to arm 50, a s ring actuated pawl 72 (see Figs. 2, 3 and5 en ages a tooth of ratchet wheel 73 on shaft 1, so moving a contactwheel 74 connected to ratchet wheel 73 so that one of the teeth of thatcontact wheel engages brush 75, thereby closing circuit through thegear-shift magnet 60, which magnet, being energized, operates clutches57 and -58 so as to throw the high-speed gear train'53 out of action andto throw the low-speed gear train 54 into action. 1

During subsequent spaces between impulses of the first-digit of the boxsignal, since shaft 51 is driven through the lowspeed gear train, theoperating-"arm- 61 is not raised high enough to engage-the plunsuchsubsequent spaces lie considerably! longer than the space between thefirst-and second impulses'of the first digit.

second digits of the box'signalglsuch space is usually at least twice aslon'g'asthe spaces between im ulse's" of' a digit)-,' operating arm 61rises suflibientlyrhi h to raise plunger-6'5 as before, its pawl 2moves-"the ratchet wheel 73 another =step,,a nd thereby camwhecl ismoved'smas-topiesent a tooth under the tail 68-'of pawl- 68, sodisengaging pawl 68 from stationary ratchetswheel 69 and permitting'arm'ziio to descen'd dnring the descent of arin 61; i scent of arm 61,contact -wheel 74 is advanced, so as to break contact with brush 75, sobreakin the circuit ofthe gear-shift magnet 60, wl ereupon the'high-speed gear train is thrown into action again, in readiness for thesecond digit. i r

When arm 50' hasnearly reached thelimit of its downward motion, itencounters a spring-actuated arm 76, and isthereby cushioned in itsdescent; and by theconsequent motion of arm 76, a bruslr77-ca1'ried"theie by is bronght'into contactwitli contact point 78; thesemembers 77 and 78constituting the governor contact X of Fig. 1; Thecontact between 77 and 78 continues for aninstant only, as arm 76immediately rebounds, separating 77 and 78.

79 is a holding pawl for ratchet wheel 73, and 79 is a correspondingholding pawl for ratchet wheel 73.

break wheel 80 and pen or contact in which sheath demagnetization 0 thecore'serving to make the 'relay slow-acting. Such magnets are well''knbwn);"

nan-sea Returning fora moment to Fi 1, and also referring to Fig. 1,which s ows the brush 81 of a t pical'signal box: The circuit A is norma1y closed, and is 0 ened as the brush 81 rides up on each toot of thewheel 80 during the rotation of'that wheel. Nor mally, therefore, thecontacts of main line relay D are open, but the circuit E of clutchmagnet c is closed, through contact b of slow-acting relay K, clutch62-63 of the governor being thereby held open by magnet- 0. (In Fig. 1,for a diagrammatic indication of the slow-acting character of relay K, Ihave indicated the armature of said relay as provided with a piston working in a dash-pot; in practice, the magnet of said relay has ashort-circuited core, 2'. e., acore surrounded by a sheath of high-coductivity metal, the eddy currents induced u on the magnetization or en,in the operation of one'ofjthe signal boxes B, the first tooth ofthewheel SO-encounters the pen '8I'; circuit A-isbrbken,'1s.nd'the*-armeture ofmain line "relay D drops back, closing"the contact of l that-relay,

Consequently," o'ontact 74-"-75 "through-the contact of mla -D.

relay K'has ogrrated {the circuit-1t and since by this time ough to:break" its contact 6 clutch magnet c is broken and clutch 62 63is"1c]osed', so causing operating "arm fil t'o rise and 'raise amepw Atthe end of the filstspace betweenim irlses of the-box sig;

nal, circuit is again establishedf thi-oug "ma 'et dead the clutch 62+63"opehe'd. and during such demce 'clrcuit A IS a nbrmallj/closedcircuit, 'whilewircuit 'is a normall'y open circuit, interruptions incircuit-As duce impulses or-closures in; circuit'E-.-= he signalsmcirenit A are, of course, the converse'of the signals in circuit E, -Inseakin'g' herein 0'1 impulses and spaces jof the box signals,*'I ne'an-"those signals astransmitted through circuit:E -i..;.f,I: m .7.

Since during 'the 'rise of operating arm 61, 'inciiient to along'space', (such as a space between digits, or a spacefollowingthe-last -digit)*th'e arm 61 might well he carried far beyondthe position occupied at the; top of its movement incident to-the firstspace-betweenimpulses'of the preceding digit, and since suchfurther-movement of the arm 61, if unrestricted, might tendto carry arm50 beyond the extreme ran e of movement intended for that arm, a rush 82(see Figs.

7 and 8) is provided, which brush is arselectors for so selecting saidoutgoing and return circuits, and means for operating said selectorsunder control of signals.

5. Inga recordin system, the combination with a pluralityo recordingdevices and a plurality of outgoing and return circuits therefor, eachout oingcircuit including a plurality of recor ing devices and eachreturn circuit including a plurality of recording devices, said outgoingand return circuits so arranged that selection of a particular recordingdevice may be made by selecting the particular outgoing circuit and theparticular return circuit in which that recording devicemnly is jointlyincluded, selectors for. so selecting said outgoing and return circuits;and a master selector arrangedto be operatedby multiple-iii 't signals,and arranged to control such ot er selectors sequentially under controlof successive signal digits. i a

6. In a recording system, the combination with a plurality, 0 recordingdevices and a plurality of outgoing and return circuits therefor, eachout oing circuit includinga plurality; of recording-devices and eachreturn circuit including a pluralityofmcording devices,saidcoutgo'rn'gand retain circuits so; arranged that selection of'aparticulanrecordingi-devioetmaygbe madebyrselecting; the:particularioutgoing circuit and: the articularrereturn..circuitliafizhich th'ati re cording device; onlynis jpintlyi included,selectors 'ifori so 1 selectingn said out Tahd returnacircuits};a..=1naster seIectoriJai'ranged to b er-operated byi-multiple digit'si'als,-:ancl arranged to control such othenlse torssequentiallyaunderzcontrol ofi z'succemive: signal digits, and,meahs,"'arranged?t6:b'e operated by spacesgbetweenidigitsbut not. tobeeperated: byz shorter spaces :betweeh digit-timipulses, for operating?saittimas'ter-selectora 7 In -arecordin s'ystem', -the combination witha' pluralityrso% ups: of recording devices,- and "a lura ity ofpartial-circuit paths -therefor,':' e'a'churccordingz device requiringthenclosure= ofi two corresponding partial-'circuit'paths for itsselection and energizati'on, each such; artial-Icircuit path containinga pluralityTo such-recording devices',; of selecting means, for?determining they 1 group. to which'zagsparticular-i recording device; tobe,-.;-'selectd ribelongs, selecting means tor determining the -t'wopartial-circuit aths in which the recording device to be se ected isincluded, a master selector ar ranged to causethe operation of saidselecting means iundercontrol'of line signals, and means adapted to be}operatedby spaces between digits of line signals, buttnot to be operatedby shorter spaces, for operating said master selector.

8. In arecording system, the combination with a plurality of groups ofrecording devices, and a plurality of partial-circuit paths therefor,each, recording device requirin the closure of two corresponding partia-circuit paths for its selection and energization, each suchpartial-circuit path containing a plurality of such recording devices,of selecting means for determining the group to which a particularrecording device to be selected belongs, selecting means for determiningthe two partial-circuit paths in which the recording device to beselected is included, a master selector arranged to cause the operationof said selecting means under control of line signals, and means forreturning such selectors to normal upon conclusion of transmission ofthe signal. v

9. In a recordin system, the combination witha plurality'o roups ofrecording devices, and a plura ity of partial'circuit paths therefor,each recording device requiring' .the! closure-.1 of two correspondingpartial'circuit pathsfor its selection and energization, each suchpartial-circuit path containing a plurality of such recording devices,of selecting means for determining the group-to which'a-particularrecording device tobe selected belongs, selecting means for determiningthe two partial-circuit paths in which the recording deviceto .beselected -is' 'imcludedy a; master. selector-armngedmoicausd theoperation otrsaid select ing inean'szuiidericdntrol of line signals, andmeans =for' returning such Lselec'tors to normal; u'pon conclusion-oftransmission of the signal,:and means operated by'said restoringz'meansfor completing the partial 'cir CllItS/thIO'ligh said reoordmgdevlce. Y1 1 19. 111 a' recording? system, the combine-- tion-with a lnrality ofgroups of recording devices,:;an aa 'plura'lity of partial-circuit aths'therefor, ea 'chrecording-device requirmg' the 1 closureof twocorresponding partial-circuit paths foifitsiselection and energization,eachsuch partial-circuit path containing a" plurality of such recording:device, of magnet-o erated stepfb -step selectingi means' foretermining't e group'to which a particular recording device to beselected belongs, selecting means for deter mining the two-partial-circuit paths in which the recording device tobeselected isincl'uded'and a mast'er selector'arianged to cause the operation of saidselecting means under control of line signals.

1 11It1 a' recording system, the combination with: a plurality of groupsof recording devices, and a plurality ofpartial-circmt paths therefor,each 'recording device requiring; the closureof two correspondingpartial-circuit paths for its selection and encrgi'zation, each suchpartialcircuit path containing a plurality of such recording de vices,of magnet-operated step-by-step selecting means for determining thegroup to which a particular recording device to be selected belongs,magnet: operated step-by step selecting means for determining. the twopartial-circuit paths in which the recording device to be selected isincluded, and a master selector arranged to cause the operation of saidselecting means under control of line signals.

12. In a iecording system, the combination with a plurality of groups ofrecord ing devices, and a plurality of partial-circuit paths therefor,each recording device requiring the closure of two correspondingpartial-c1rcuit paths for its selection and ouergization, each suchpartial-circuit: path containing a plurality of such recording devices,ot' magnet-operated step-by-step selecting means for determining thegroup to which a particular recording, device to be selected belongs,selecting means for determining the two partial-circuit paths in whichthe recording device to be selected is included, circuit closing meansoperated by spaces between digitsofdine signals but not operated byshorter spaces; and an step-bystep magnet-operated master selector:controlled by said spaceeoperacedcircuit closing meansiand arranged tocause the operation of the beforementioned" selecting means.

13'. In a. recording system-,theicombina- (ion with a lineicircuit and:a pluralityof groups of 'signal transmitting devices. thereirr amnged totransmit nmnerical'l signals, the signalscf the transmitterscf eaclrsuch group havingone digit invconunon which differs from the-commondigitoi each of the other such groups, oil a plurality of groupsofrecordingndcvices, each gmup of recording devices corresponding tcacorresponding group of transmitters, a; plurality ofpartiazl circuifipaths-for the recording devices of each such group, each recordingdevicerequiring the: closure of two- COI'LBT- spending partial'circuitpaths for its seIecs ti'on--;andr energization, each. suchpartialcircuit path containing a plurality of such recording devices,selecting means arranged to be operated by the-ccmmcndigit (it-thesignals of any such group of transmitting devices, fordetermining thegroup of re cording devices to which a particular re cordingdevice to beselected belongsselectjing means arrangedeto be operated by other digitsof such transmitter signals, for determining the two partial circuitpathsin which the recording device'to be selected is included, and a:master selector arranged to be operated by the spaces between digits tocause the operation of said selecting means.

14. In a recording system, the combination with a line circuit and aplurality of groups of signal-transmitting devices therein arranged totransmit numerical signals, the signals of the transmitters of eachgroup having one digit in common which differs nasal or from. the commondigit of'eaclrof theotlicr groups, of a plurality of groups of recordingdevices,- eachgroup ofinecording-devices corresponding to acorresponding group of transmitters, a plurality o-ffpartial-circuitpaths for the recording; device of each group, each recording devicerequiring the closure -ot' two correspondingpartial-circuit paths forits selection and energi'zation, each such partial circuit'pathcontaining a plu rality of such recordiniggg devices, selecting meansarranged tobe operatedby the common digit of the signals of any suchgroup of transmitting devices, for determining the group of recording;devices to which a; particular recording device tobe selected belongs,selecting means arranged to be operated by other digits,- ofsueh'transmitben signals, for determining the two partiali-circu itpaths-in which therecording device tobe selected is included, a masterselector arranged to bee operated the spaces between digitsto. cause theoperation of said selecting means, andirestormg means operated by saidmasher selector upon'oedui'rence of a. long space follorving'the lastdigitof theisiglrlilal. w

-a recordmg' tsys the'ccu'rbinaition with a: lino-conduit! midra"plurality of grcupsivcfi si mamnsmiwngi device's therein: arranged-amtransmit! numerical er I thez'signals iofithe'iwansmitm s of each groinhm'ng' o'nel'digitivin) Gammon which: (1 fnoms;'the"cmmnon -'digitl ofeach of the other 'gwups, .of plurality "of groups: of i recordingidlwices; each group of recording' devices corresponding to w correspondingigmup ol' transmittevs a plural ityiofi'partnh.-cil'cuitrrpaths .ifomhherecording device-of each gtcupq each recordingdevice requ ring the" closure-oi: two'eom' cndi-n partial carcuit pathvhm its: sel cm a enengi'zatiom. each isuchr aiitial circuit' pathcontainlingazplumliuy'e such mco'rding devices; selecting meansl'arranged to: be operated? by the commonidigit or' the signals of anysuchgroup of transmitting devices, for determining thegr'ouli sci"recording devices to; which a articular recording-device: to beselectedlongs; seleetin ineans arranged to be opembed byother ig'its 'of suchtransmitter signals; for determining the'tww partia l circuifi' paths inwhichthe recording device to beselected is=iiicludedg a master selectcrarrtmgedl to be operated by thespaces betweeh digits to cause theoperation of said: selecting means; restoring me'ans operatedbysaid'master selector upon occurrence ofa long space following the lastdigit of the signal; and circuit closing means operated by said masterselector at the time of the operation of said restoring means, forcompleting the'circuit through the selected recording device.

16. A spacecontrolled contact controlling member upon en devicecomprising an automatically-returned movable contact controlling memberhaving trippable retaining means for holding it in various positions towhich it may be set, a movable operating member for saidcontactcontrolling member, and means for moving said operating member atrelatively high speed during first operation, and for moving it atrelatively lower speed during succeeding operations, said retainingmeans arranged to release said contact-controlling gement of theoperating member therewit after the first setting of thecontact-controllin member.

17. A space-controlfiad contact controlling device comprising anautomatically-returned movable contact-controlling member havingtrippable retaining means for holding it to the various positions towhich it may be set, a movable operatin member for saidcontact-controlled mem er, two gear trains for moving saidoperatinmember, and means for throwing the hig er speed gear train intooperation durin the first operation of said operating memger, and forthrowing the high speed ear train out of operation and throwing t elower speed .gear train into operation during succeeding operations ofsaid operating member, said retaining means arranged to release saidcontact-controlling member upon engagement of the operating membertherewith after first setting of said contact-making member.

18. A space-controlled contact controlling device comprising anautomatically-returned swinging contact-controlling member havingtrippable retaining means for holding it in various angular positions towhich it may be set, a swinging operating member adapted to engage thetrippable retaining means thereof during motion in one direction andthereby to move said contact-controlling member in one direction to anadjusted position, and means for moving sa d operating member atrelatively high speed during first operation, and for moving it atrelatively lower speed during succeeding operations, said retainingmeans arranged to release said contact-controlling member uponengagement of the operating member therewith after the first setting ofthe contact-controlling member.

19. A space-controlled contact controlling device comprising anautomatically-returned swinging contact-controlling member havinntrippable retaining means for holding it in various angular positions towhich it may be set, a swinging operating member adapted to engage thetrippable retaining, means thereof during motion in one direction andthereby to move said contact-controlling member in one direction to anad justed position, two gear trains for moving said operatin member, andmeans for throwing the higher speed gear train into operation during thefirst operation of said operating member, and for throwing the highspeed gear train out of operation during succeeding operations of saidoperating member, said retaining means arranged to release said contactcontrolling member upon engagement of the operating member therewithafter first setting of said contactmakin member.

20. n a recording system, the combination with a plurality of groups ofrecording devices, and a plurality of partial-circuit paths therefor,each recording device requiring the closure of two correspondingpartial-circuit aths for its selection and energization, eac suchpartial-circuit path containing a plurality 0 such recording devices, ofselecting means for determining the group to which a articular recordingdevice to be selected belongs, selecting means for determining the twopartial-circuit paths in which the recording device to be selected isincluded, a master selector arranged to causethe operation of saidselecting means under control of line signals, and circuit-closingmeansoperated, by said master selector for finally com letin the circuitthrough the selected recor ing evice.

21. In a recording system, the combination with a lurality of groups ofrecording devices, and a plurality of partial-circuit paths therefor,each recording device requiring the closure of two correspondinpartial-circuit paths for its selection an energization, each suchpartial-circuit path containing a lurality of such recording'fde vices,.of sel cting means for determining the group to which a articularrecording device to be selected be ongs, selecting means, fordetermining the two partial-circuit paths in which the recording deviceto be selected is included, a master selector arranged to cause theoperation of said selecting means under control of line signals,restoring means operated by said master selector after selection asaforesaid of a particular recording device, and circuit-closing meansoperated by said master selector at the time of operation of saidrestoring means, for finally completing the circuit through the selectedrecording device.

22. In a recording system, the combination with a plurality of groups ofrecording devices, and a plurality of partial-circuit paths therefor,each recording device requiring the closure of two corresponding partialcircuit paths for its selection and energize tion, each suchpartial-circuit path containing a plurality of such recording devices,of selecting means for determining the group to which a particularrecording device to be selected belongs, selecting means for determiningthe two partial-circuit paths in which the recording device to beselected is included, a master selector arranged to cause the operationof said selecting means under control of line signals, a restoringcircuit operated by said master s elector after selectipn of aparticular recording device as aforesaid, said selecting meanscomprising restoring magnets included in said restoring circuit, and aquick acting relay likewise included in said restoring circuit andarranged to operate before the operation of said restoring magnets, saidrelay arranged to COHlplete the circuit through the recording deviceselected as aforesaid.

23. In a recording system, the combination with a plurality oirecordingdevices and a; plurality of outgoing and return circuits therefor, eachoutgoin circuit including a plurality of recording evices and eachreturn circuit including a pluralit of recording devices, said outgoingan return circuits so arranged that selection of a particular recordingdevice may be made by selecting the particular outgoing circuit an theparticular return circuit in which that recording device only is jointlyincluded, selectors for m selecting saidroutgoing and return circuits,2. master selector arranged to be operated by multiple-digit signals,and arran ed to control such other selectors seguentially under controlof successive signal and circuit-closing means operate by sa d. masterselector for finally completing the circuit through the selectedrecording device.

'24. 'In a recording system, the combination vvith .a plurality ofrecording devices and a plurality of outgoing and return circuitstherefor, each outgoing circuit including a. .plurality of recordingdevices and each return circuit includinga plurality of recordingdevices, said out oin nd return circuits so arranged that sdlection'of aparticularrecording device may be made by selecting the particularoutgoing circuit and the particular return circuit in which thatrecording device only is'jointly included, selectors for so selectingsaid outgoing and return circuits, 2. master selector arranged to beoperated by multiple-digit signals, and arranged. to control such otherselectors scquentially under control of successive signal digits,restoring means operated by said master selector after selection asaforesaid of a-particular recording device, and circuitclosing meansoperated by said master selector at the time of operation of saidrcstoring .means, for finally completing the circuit thiough theselected recording device.

25. Ina. recording system, the combination with a plurality of recordingdevices and a plurality of outgoing and return circuits therefor, eachoutgoing circuit including a-plurality of recording devices and eachreturn circuit including a plurality of recording devices, said outgoingand return circuits so arranged that selection of a pardel c e qnssj'i ts 'requirin ticulai' recording device may be made by selecting theparticular outgoing circuit and the particular return circuit in whichthat recording device only is jointly included. selectors for soselecting said outgoing and return circuits, a master selector arrangedto be operated by multiple-digit signals, and arrangedto control suchother selectors sequentially under control of successive signal digits,a restoring circuit operated by said master selector after selection of'a particular recording device as aforesaid, said se-' lecting means comrisin restoring 'inagnets included in said restoring circuit, and aquick acting relay likewise included in said restorin circuit andarranged to open ate before tie operation of said restoring magnets,said relay arranged to complete the circuit through the recording deviceselected as aforesaid.

26. In a recording system, the. coinbina tion with a plurality of groupsof .'rcording devices, and a plurality of partial-circuit pathstherefor, eachirecording device re- ,quirino' the closure. of tyre 'cori,p'on'ding partial-circuit paths for ,;its. selection and energization,each such'parti al-circuit path containing a pluralityidisiichfrecordingdevices and two relays for. eacl jgroup of re cording devices, one suchrelay, control-ling one circuit -.pathfor such group, the othercontrolling the other circuit thiffo'i such group, of selec a [e t9selectively actulitl ligtf sii ifil fleys, f gheaid grou s, .and therebytoi'de riiiine tl i'e, group to w ieh a particular, device tomeansffoc'dej er p ngnth t, lie-twi which. .the. recording 'delvice.'.to be -;'selected 'rneans under control of line,' s gnals.

ti'on with a. plurality .of..gro}ips oil-recordingdevices, andra,plurality. of, partial-circuit paths therefor, each, recording .devicethe closure. of: two corresponding partial-circuit paths for itsselectionuand energization ,1 each ,such .pa1"tial-fcircuit. ,pathcontaining'a pluralityvof such,re'cording devices, and two relays for,each g'roup of recording devices, one such ,relay controllingoi'iecircuit path "for suchgroup, the other controllingthe othercircuitpathfor such group, oi'selecting' neans arranged to selectivelyactuate the said relays ofthe said groups, and therebyto determinethe;group to which aparticularir'ecording device to be selected belongs,selecting means for determining thetwo partial circuit paths in whichthe recording device to be selected is included, a master selectorarranged to cause the operation of said selecting n eansunder control ofline signals, and means adapted to be operated by spaces between digitsof line signals, but not to be operated by shorter spaces, for operatingsaid master selector.

28. A contact controlling device comprising a movable arm, a ratchetwheel thereon, a plunger carried by and movable with re spect to saidarm, a pawl carried by said plunger and adapted to engage and move saidratchet wheel during movement of the plunger in one direction, and meansfor operating said plunger.

29. A contact controlling device compris ing a movable arm, a ratchetWheel thereon, a plunger carried by and movable with respect to saidarm, a pawl carried by said plunger and adapted to engage and move saidratchet wheel during movement of the plunger in one direction, means foroperating said plunger, trippable retaining means for said arm and meansoperated by said plunger for alternately locking and tripping said arm.

30. A contact controlling device comprisinga movable arm, a ratchetwheel thereon, a plunger carried by and movable with res act tosaid'arm, a. pawl carried by said p unger and ada tedto engageand movesaid ratchet whee during movement ofthe plunger in one 'direction, meansfor operating said plunger, and contacts operated by said arm. an

31. A contact controllirigidevice comprising a movable arm, a ratchetwheel thereon, a plunger carried by and movable with respect to saidarm, a pawl carried by said p unger and adapted to engage and move saidratchet whee during movement of the plunger in one direction, means foroperating said plunger, trippable retainin means for said arm, meansoperated said plunger for alternately locking an tri ping said arm, andcontacts operated by said arm.

32. A space-controlled contact controlling device comprising anautomatically-returned movable contact controlling member, havingtrippable retaining means for holding it in various positions to whichit may be set, a movable operating member for said contact-controllingmember, means comprising a controlling magnet for moving said operatingmember at relatively high speed during first operation, and for movingit at relatively lower speed during succeeding operations, saidretaining means arran ed to release said contact-controlling mem er uponengagement of the operating member therewith, after the first setting 0the contact controlling member, and contact means operated during thefirst return movement of said operating member after the first settingof said contact-controlling member, to cause operation of the saidmagnet.

33. A space-controlled contact controllin device comprising an automatically-returne movable arm, having trippable retaining means forholding it in various positions to which it may be set, a ratchetwheelonsaid arm, a plunger carried by and movable with respect to saidarm, a pawl earried by said plunger and adapted to engage and move saidratchet wheel during movement of the plunger in one direction, a movableoperating member adapted to engage said plunger and thereby both to movesaid plunger and to set said movable arm, means comprising a controllingmagnet for moving said operating member at relatively high speed duringfirst operation, and for moving it at relatively lower speed duringsucceeding operations, said retaining means arranged to release saidcontact-controlling member upon engagement of the operating membertherewith after the first setting of the contact-controllin member, andcontact mechanism 0 erated y said ratchet wheel and arrange to causeoperation of said magnet upon return of said plunger following the firstreturn of said operating member. v 1 ,34. A space-controlledcontactcontrollin device comprising an automatically-returne movablearm, having trippable retaining means for holding: it in variouspositions to which it may-be set, a. ratchet wheelon-said arm, a plungercarried by andmpvablewith respect to said arm, a pawl-ica rried'by saidplunger and adapted to engage and niove said ratchet wheel duringmovement of the plunger .in one direction, a movable operating memberadapted to engage said plunger and thereby both to move said plunger andto set said movable arm, means comprising a controllin magnet for movingsaid operating mem er at relatively high speed during first operation,and for moving it at relatively lower speed during succeedingoperations, said retaining means arran d to release saidcontact-controlling mem er upon engagement of the operating membertherewlth after the first setting of the contact-controlling member, andcontact mechanism operated by said ratchet wheel and arranged toenergize said magnet u on return of said plunger following the rstreturn of said operating member and to deenergize said magnet followingtripping of said movable arm.

35. A space-controlled contact controlling device comprising anautomatically-returne movable arm having trippable retaining means forholding it in various positions to which it may be set, a ratchet wheelon said arm, a plunger carried by and movable with respect to said arm,a pawl carried by said plunger and adapted to engage and move saidratchet wheel during movement of the plunger in one direction, a movableoperating member adapted to engage said plunger and thereby both to movesaid plunger and to set said movable arm,

means comprising a controlling magnet for moving said operatingmemberrat relatively high speed during. firstsoperation, and for movingit at relativelyllower speed during succee ing .operationSQsaid-retaining means arranged-"to release said contact-controlling memberupon..engagement of the operating member: therewith after the. :firstsetting of the contact-eont'rollin imember,:and- .contact mechanism:operatediy said ratchet .wheel and arrangedito caus'e lthemperation ofsaid magnet tohchanige from: high. speed to low speed,followingdzhe'rfir st return of said .operating:member ;and:to changefrom low speed tor hmspeed'iollovving tripping of saidl'movab erarm.)

36. A: space-controlledtcontact controllin=devicecompi'isingmautomatically-returne movable :arm, uhavingltrippable retaining means :for' holding iti =in various .apositions towhich it :may, be=:set, azratchet WheeLon saidermga plungencarni :byandmogable with respeottoisaidlarm, a. pawl fcarried' by said plunger andadapted to engage-rand imove saidiratchetiiwheehduningrmovement of ahalpliinger:(in)varnemligezition, .a: movable operating: ifixernberadapted to rengage: said plunger'and th'ereby bothtto In'aove said:plunger and to r comprisinga conbrollingmagnet 1 'for .mov-

ing asaiday i-atimg member at- -relatively tacts operated .ratchetwheels,

at said: movable erm, :ime'ans reached a position corresponding 'to'thatreached by said operating member during the first setting of saidmovable arm.

37. A contact controlling device compris- Eng a movable arm, ratchetwheels on opposite sides thereof, a plunger carried by and amovableiwithsaid arm,", awls carriedgby said plunger and each a apted to engage andmove one of said ratchet :wheels, the

i one pawl .upon movement of the plunger .in oneadirection the other,upon the movement of the plunger in the opposite direction,-con

by such movement, of :said and means for operating said plunger.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence oftwo subscribing witnesses. RICHARD M."HOPKlNS. Witnesses:

C. C. JOHNSON, A.-:F.:.MOLiiiz-r.

